CSA Series

Inquiries and proposals for works on all subjects relating to the history and future of fashion, dress, costume, appearance and adornment are welcome, including historical research, current issues, curatorial topics, contemporary design and construction practices, and conservation techniques.  Books chosen to be published range from scholarly to general interest and vary widely in format, from primarily textual to highly illustrated.

The Kent State University Press welcomes inquiries and proposals, whether you have completed a full manuscript or are in the early stages of writing. When submitting a proposal, we ask that you include the following:

• A proposed title for the book, your full name as you would like it to appear on the book, and, optionally, your pronouns;
• An abstract of no more than around 150 words (your book’s “elevator pitch”);
• A description of the project (2-3 pages, double-spaced) that includes 

- its argument and purpose

- its importance and contribution to its field or subject area

- its target audience

- its suitability to KSU Press’s publishing program, and

- whether any part of the project has been previously published (if so, where);

• A table of contents in which each chapter is described by a short paragraph;
• A list of comparable/competing titles with explanations of how your project is similar to and distinct from each;
• A list of suggested readers who have not yet seen the manuscript. If this is an academic book, please do not include anyone from your department or your dissertation committee;
• Any opportunities you foresee for being able to help promote the book (e.g., giving author talks, belonging to a speaker’s bureau, a strong social media presence, etc.);
• If your project is a revised dissertation, whether the original dissertation is available or is embargoed (if embargoed, for how long);
• The total projected length of the manuscript in words, and the projected number and type of illustrations (to include tables, figures, photos, maps, etc.);
• The projected date for full manuscript completion;
• Your current CV or résumé;
• Two or three sample chapters, if available, one of which should be the introduction.

If we are potentially interested in publishing your book, we will request additional chapters or the complete manuscript. Manuscripts that merit further consideration are peer reviewed and must be approved by the Kent State University Press Editorial Committee. During the review process, we will send you an author background questionnaire. Your answers to this questionnaire are crucial to the publishing decision and, should your book be accepted, to the preparation of a marketing plan. The final decision to publish is based primarily on peer review, committee approval, cost estimates, and your responses to the author questionnaire. Generally, a contract is offered upon approval of the Press Editorial Committee. Agented authors should be aware that the Press insists on direct communications with the author during the consideration process.

CSA Series Editor Kelly Reddy-Best: kelly.reddybest@gmail.com